Players crying after loses:Is it bad sportsmanship?

[hermantown2000]

I wonder what people's thoughts are about players laying on the ice and crying after losing(especially after an overtime loss in the section playoffs and state tournament). Do you think this is bad sportsmanship or is it okay? Just wanted to put this question out there.

[greenwayraider]

Not bad sportsmanship at all. For most kids it’s an end to one of the most important chapters of their young lives. You will have a first-hand experience after Greenway eliminates the Hawks tomorrow night.

[WarmUpTheBus]

It is an emotional response that is not meant to show up the opponent so it shouldn't be considered bad sportsmanship. In the case of losing in the section playoffs you have to remember for many of the Seniors this will be their last organized hockey game after many years of striving to be their best so it seems natural that there would be a release of emotions.

[kniven]

Not bad sportsmanship at all. For most kids it’s an end to one of the most important chapters of their young lives. You will have a first-hand experience after Greenway eliminates the Hawks tomorrow night.

Yep

[ZachHalverson]

It is definitely bad sportsmanship. I remember back in 2011 when my Bears beat Hill-Murray in the Section 4AA Final how all the Pioneers players were laying down on the ice, consoling each other as their dreams of winning a championship were suddenly shattered and the devastating truth that some of them would never play another game of high school hockey set in. Their behavior was totally unsportsmanlike and kinda ruined the moment for those of us trying to celebrate the victory. We kept looking over their at their sad faces hoping that they could get over the fact that they would either never be a Pioneer again or would never play another game with some of their teammates and, you know, be happy for us and perhaps even cheer.

So yeah, if your season comes to sudden end, get over the crushing blow to your gut that makes it hard to breathe, look up from the jersey you might never wear again, wipe away those tears that started falling as soon as reality set in that this season and team you worked your behind off for for many months was truly over, and maybe tap your stick on the ice in celebration for the other team who did nothing but steal your hopes and dreams of a state title away.

[elliott70]

Crying, fine.
Laying on the ice, no.
Shedding the tears is okay, but stand up, get in line, and shake hands.

[northwoods oldtimer]

Are you crying?!
https://youtu.be/6M8szlSa-8o

[ryguyMN]

I guess I don't have a problem if a player wanted to skate around in a circle for a moment after the final buzzer with a disappointed look on their face before handshakes to collect their thoughts. Now if a player wants to lay on the ice for several minutes not wanting to shake hands, then that's crossing the line for me. That's what a locker room is for. I think you have to be careful not to remove too much emotion from the game, otherwise it's just a bunch of robots on the ice.

[Section 8 guy]

It’s playoff hockey season, as great as that is, and people want to spend energy on this as a topic? C’mon guys. Really?

[O-townClown]

Huh?

[Crusty]

It’s playoff hockey season, as great as that is, and people want to spend energy on this as a topic? C’mon guys. Really?

I'm with Section 8 guy, it appears we have run out of things to talk about

[Doc Holliday]

Their behavior was totally unsportsmanlike and kinda ruined the moment for those of us trying to celebrate the victory. We kept looking over their at their sad faces hoping that they could get over the fact that they would either never be a Pioneer again or would never play another game with some of their teammates and, you know, be happy for us and perhaps even cheer.

"You serious, Clark?"